THREE 2015 MOVIES TO WATCH OUT FOR — #Africa

This blog brings you the best and latest of African talent and art; on the continent and in the diaspora. Here are 3 movie finds that would be worth checking out-

thE CeO

Synopsis: TransWire Communications is a global phone network with major operation in Nigeria. The CEO, an expatriate, has retired hence the Global Chairman has decided to send five nominees amongst his most senior level staff across Africa on a Leadership course in order to determine which one to appoint as the new CEO of Nigeria.

Popular Nigerian filmmaker, Kunle Afolayan, on Thursday in a press conference unveiled the full details of his next movie, The CEO. The film showcases a cross-selection of African & international cast and crew members with diverse talents and backgrounds.

The cast includes Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter, entertainer and activist from Benin, Angélique Kidjo; Haitan actor and model Jimmy Jean-Louis, best known for his role as The Haitan on the NBC television series Heroes;  actor and founder of the New Nigeria Cinema movement, Wale Ojo; French-Ivorian actress and model, Aurelie Eliam; South African actor and presenter, Nicolaos Panagiotopoulos; Nigerian actress, Kemi Lala Akindoju; Moroccan star, Fatym Layachi; Kenyan actor Peter King, and Nigerian actress, Hilda Dokubo among others.

 

Synopsis – The CEO tells the story of TransWire Communications, a global phone network with major operation in Nigeria. The CEO, an expatriate, has retired; hence the Global Chairman has decided to send five nominees among his most senior-level staff across Africa on a leadership course in order to determine which one to appoint as the new CEO of Nigeria. The process that started relatively smoothly suddenly climaxed in a game of an intriguing death.

(Trailer not yet released) To stay updated, follow on Facebook here or follow the hashtag #theceomovie on social media

FifTy

Hot off its selection for the 2015 BFI London Film Festival, EbonyLife Films today released the official trailer for its highly acclaimed feature film, Fifty. The movie stars Ireti Doyle, Dakore Egbuson-Akande, Omoni Oboli and Nse Ikpe-Etim.

Directed by Biyi Bandele and executively produced by Mo Abudu, FIFTY, captures a few pivotal days in the lives of four Nigerian women at the pinnacle of their careers. Tola, Elizabeth, Maria and Kate are forced at midlife to take inventory of their personal lives, while juggling careers and family against the sprawling backdrops of the upper middle-class neighbourhoods of Lagos.

The trailer is a sneak peek into this tender but unflinching exploration of love and lust, power and rivalry, life and loss in twenty-first century Lagos. The four lead characters, six-inch heels, partying hard and loving strong, with courage and fortitude, navigate life’s unending curveballs.

Fifty will premiere in a special grand Lagos ceremony on the 13th of December 2015 at The Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos and will be released in cinemas nationwide on the 18th of December 2015.

In the meantime, for more information, visit the website: www.fiftythemovie.com  or follow on Twitter: @Fiftythemovie; Instagram: @fiftythemovie or on Facebook: www.facebook.com/FiftyTheMovie

beAsTs of No NaTioN

The powerful new film starring Idris Elba recently had its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival and will screen at the Telluride Film Festival, Toronto Film Festival, and London Film Festival. Beasts of No Nation, A Netflix Original Film.

Synopsis – When civil war tears his family apart, a young West African boy is forced to join a unit of mercenary fighters and transform into a child soldier. Available in select theaters and on Netflix October 16.

Written and directed by Emmy Award winner Cary Fukunaga (“True Detective,” Sin Nombre) and starring Golden Globe winner Idris Elba (“Luther,” Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom), Beasts of No Nation will debut Friday, October 16, 2015, the same day in Landmark theatres in the U.S. and worldwide on Netflix in all territories where the world’s leading Internet TV network is available.

Beasts of No Nation is based on the highly-acclaimed novel by Nigerian author Uzodinma Iweala, bringing to life the gripping tale of Agu, a child soldier torn from his family to fight in the civil war of an African country. Newcomer Abraham Attah gives a stunning portrayal of Agu, while Elba dominates the screen in the role of Commandant, a warlord who takes in Agu and instructs him in the ways of war.

The film is produced by Amy Kaufman and Cary Fukunaga (who previously worked together on Sin Nombre), Daniela Taplin Lundberg, Riva Marker and Dan Crown for Red Crown Productions, along with Elba. Jeff Skoll and Jonathan King are executive producers for Participant Media; Donna Gigliotti is executive producer for Levantine Films; Elizabeth Koch and Kristina Kendall are executive producers for New Balloon; and Bill Benenson, Laura Bickford and Todd Courtney are also executive producers.

View Trailer

Beautifully Dreaming, Positively Doing

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Tempting Fate The Movie (@TFateMovie1) Coming to Cinemas on July 17

Tempting Fate, the Movie, comes to African (Nigerian + Ghanaian) Cinemas on July 17, 2015. Directed By US Based Nigerian Filmmaker Kevin Nwankwor of KevSTel Group and Theatrical Distribution for West Africa handled by Silverbird Distribution Company, Tempting Fate is a ‘Hollywood meets Nollywood’  riveting film that will keep you on the edge of your seat, scene by scene. Starring RAMSEY NOUAH as UGO and ANDREW ONOCHIE as EDU , two brothers, one of deep faith and the other buried in a life of crime who have their worlds torn apart when the wrong one goes to jail and the other commits an unforgivable act.

Synopsis

Two brothers share the same blood but walk parallel paths. Tempting Fate is the story of two brothers ; Edu and his older brother Ugo Okoye. Edu is a talented singer, he is calm, reflective and peaceful. He relies on his spirituality and the love of his wonderful girlfriend Tracey to help him combat a life threatening illness.

On the other hand, Ugo is hotheaded, impulsive and at times menacing. He finds himself wrapped in a life of robbery and crime which he knows will lead him down a path of destruction but it’s not an easy one to leave; a point his gang leader Scorpion (Dan Davies) has made clear. In an attempt to get money for a lifesaving procedure for his brother, Ugo triggers a chain of events that sends their worlds clashing, leaving behind a trail of hurts , deception and betrayal.
Does the walker choose the path or the path the walker ?

Watch the Trailer below

 

About Kevin Nwakwor

via IMDb

Kevin Nkem Nwankwor (KNN) – Film Director

Kevin Nkem Nwankwor (KNN) has had a passion for film throughout his life. Born in Issele-Uku Nigeria, he has made persistent steps toward his dream of becoming an accomplished filmmaker, first writing plays for the children and adult ministries of his local church, while leading its drama group.

While he studied Project Management and ultimately earned a
Bachelor of Science degree from the Federal University of Technology (2000), the passion still burned brightly to make films and provide entertainment. While in college, he formed its first Christian drama troupe, The Heavenly Theater (also known as The Thevites), and wrote and directed such plays as “In The Den of Agbalakwem” I and II (1996) and “Ashes of Regret” (1998). Kevin also toured with his troupe around universities throughout the East of Nigeria.

Before graduation, he went on to star in Nollywood movies “Enemies” (1997) and “Heartless” (1997) with veteran actors Kanayo O Kanayo, Saint Obi and Eucharia Anunobi. He also created and produced live comedy show “Comedy Half Hour,” hosted on NTA Channel 5 Abuja.

In 2008, after relocating to Atlanta, Kevin earned an MBA degree in Marketing (2010). This was the next step toward his dream of becoming a well-rounded filmmaker. Two years later, he obtained a Masters of Fine Art in Filmmaking from the New York Film Academy. Today, that experience has led to the successful production a number of film works that showcase his faith with stories that move the soul. Kevin served as writer, producer and director for shorts films “Enemy Within” (2012) and “A Mother’s Love” (2012). The latter-based on a true-life event-was an official selection at Georgia’s Gwinnett Film Festival (July 2013) and Spain’s Marbella Film Festival (October 2013). His most current work is “Tempting Fate”

In addition, Kevin is CEO of faith-based entertainment company KevStel Group LLC, in Atlanta, where he resides with his wife Unoma, and their two children. The company’s mission is to provide quality content based on faith, hope and love through visuals and print.

A KevStel Production distributed by Silverbird Distribution

For more info about the movie

Website – www.temptingfate-movie.com
twitter – @tfatemovie1
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/TemptingFate

To see full list of cast and crew, click here 

Beautifully Dreaming, Positively Doing..

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CULTURAL CONFIDENCE BY @yorubaculture OPENS TONIGHT IN NEW YORK

The Nollywood Diaspora Film Series presents: CULTURAL CONFIDENCE 

The Nollywood Diaspora Film Series is pleased to present its second annual forum, themed Cultural Confidence: Acquiring and negotiating authentic cultural identity in a globalized world. In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the founding of Nigeria and 54 years of Nigerian independence, NDFS will screen world-class films of New Nollywood and host panel discussions on pertinent issues facing Nigerians at home and abroad. (Buy tickets) Presented in partnership with NYU Africana Studies and the Yoruba Cultural Institute, NDFS Cultural Confidence promises to be even more exciting than last year’s event.

With a line up of incredible minds and talents –actors, producers, writers and other key stakeholders—delving into issues of critical importance at this time in history, Cultural Confidence will build significantly on the conversation begun last year. With a larger and more improved film selection, increased opportunities for networking and increased dialogue, this year’s event will demonstrate and define cultural confidence through film, fashion and music; giving participants the opportunity to assess their individual level of cultural confidence and to receive the means of acquisition. – See more

Watch Promo Video

Official Press Release

New Nollywood Rebrands Nigeria

2^nd Annual Nollywood Forum to Focus on Cultural Confidence at NYU Oct 9-12

NEW YORK, NY – October 3, 2014 – The Nollywood Diaspora Film Series will host its second annual forum at NYU Kimmel Center next weekend, October 9-12. In commemoration of Nigeria’s centennial and 54 years of independence, NDFS will explore the notion of cultural confidence with film screenings and panel discussions featuring notable African filmmakers, actors, producers and designers.

In addition to the US premiere of critically acclaimed October 1 by leading Nollywood filmmaker, Kunle Afolayan–who the New York Times called an “African Scorsese”–special guests Adepero Oduye (Twelve Years a Slave, Pariah), Gbenga Akinnagbe (24, The Wire), Wunmi Olaiya and others will engage NYU filmmakers and the larger community on issues facing Nigerians, using film as basis to explore the role of the Diaspora in social change in Africa.  “Of special interest to us is the role that film can play in elevating the social consciousness of Nigerians and the image of Nigerians across the world,” says Ololade Siyonbola, NDFS founder.

On the theme of Cultural Confidence, Andrew Dosunmu, whose film Mother of George will screen at the mini-festival, said “Knowing oneself…it’s the greatest wealth one can have.”

In addition to Dosunmu’s film, the forum will feature Supreme Price, by award-winning filmmaker and Harvard lecturer Joanna Lipper, which highlights the legacy of Nigeria’s first democratically elected president—MKO Abiola—from the perspectives of his wife, Kudirat, leader of the pro-democracy movement, and daughter, Hafsat Abiola.

Biyi Bandele’s Half of a Yellow Sun and a number of short films will also screen. The forum opens with a reception Thursday October 9, followed with The Supreme Price screening on Friday and Half of a Yellow Sun, Mother of George and October 1 on Saturday with panel discussions to open the day. Cultural workshops take place Sunday October 12.

For more information on the forum, visit http://nollywood.filmseries.co

Tickets: http://culturalconfidence.eventbrite.com

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6cbZTUqRj0

October 1 Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-R7wJuPv_7o

NDFS Cultural Confidence is sponsored by VLISCO, Holland Textiles, Sonna Textiles, Africa Magic GO!, Yoruba Cultural Institute, NYU Africana Studies.

The Nollywood Diaspora Film Series is a platform created to rebrand Nollywood and bring international attention to New Nollywood, Nigerian cinema of international standards, which teaches about Nigeria’s cultures and peoples with authenticity, texture and beauty.

Media Contact: Ayodele St. Louis
917.426.6716
nollywood@filmseries.co

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Special Guests ADEPERO ODUYE, WUNMI OLAIYA,GBENGA AKINNAGBE, LOZA MALÉOMBHO, KUKUA ODOI, AWAM AMKPA, BUSAYO OLUPONA and KUNLE AFOLAYAN

Saturday Oct 11, 2014

7.30p.m @ NYU Kimmel Center.
60 Washington Square South.
New York

OCTOBER 1, the film everyone in Nigeria is talking about, will have it’s US debut at CULTURAL CONFIDENCE. This HISTORIC film is the epitome of what NDFS (Nollywood Diaspora Film Series) was created for — culturally relevant, world class storytelling.

BUY Tickets in advance here and tickets also available at the door

Q & A with Director Kunle Afolayan all the way from Lagos, Nigeria! Dont Miss out, Spread the word, Come one! Come All!

NDFS brings you a weekend Films, Panels and Networking. For full program of weekend activities from Thursday 9th Oct – Sunday 12th Oct visit: http://filmseries.co

 SPECIAL GUESTS: Adepero Oduye Gbenga Akinnagbe Wunmi Olaiya Joanna Lipper

FILMS: Supreme Price Half of a Yellow Sun More films TBA **A portion of proceeds benefits the Joyful Joy Foundation**

Connect with them on Social Media: #CULTURALCONFIDENCE October 9-12, 2014

Location: NYU Kimmel Center* 60 Washington Square S, New York City, NY 10012

Beautifully Dreaming.. Positively Doing..

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New Movie Alert – #ALetterFromAdam by @lydiaforson

Lydia Forson,  African Movie Academy Award Winning Ghanaian Actress/Writer/Activist is set to release her latest project, a new movie production titled ‘A letter From Adam’ starring : Lydia Forson, Wale Ojo, Naa Ashorkor Mensah-Doku, Akorfa Edjeani, Fred Kanebi and introducing Jeff Kumordzie and Louie Lartey. It shows in Cinemas on September 19 2014 at the Silverbird (Accra Mall) and
20th September 2014 Silverbird (Weija).  International screening dates yet to be released.

SYNOPSIS
A Letter From Adam is a contemporary story about love, loss and hope that will draw audiences into a realistic cycle of life seen through the pain of loss, the journey of self discovery and the courage and strength to find hope in the face of adversity.
Set in the busy yet simple city of Accra in Ghana, West Africa; A Letter From Adam brings to bare an often neglected truth about love — that love doesn’t always come in the form one often expects it to.

A Letter From Adam is a movie about Love, Loss and Hope

WRITTEN BY
Lydia Forson

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Lydia Forson

PRODUCER
Lydia Forson

DIRECTOR
Sam Kessie

CAST
Lydia Forson, Wale Ojo, Naa Ashokor Mensah Doku, Akorfa Edjeani, Albert Jackson, Fred Kanebi and introducing Jeff Kumordzie & Louie Lartey

View the official trailer

About Lydia Forson

Lydia Forson (born 1984) is an award winning Ghanaian actress, writer, and producer. In 2010 she won the African Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role.

Born in Mankessim, Ghana, Lydia Forson received her early life education at Wilmore Elementary school in Kentucky, US. She graduated from the University of Ghana where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in English Language and Information Studies.Lydia Forson’s acting career started with a cameo role in Hotel St. James (2005), Run Baby Run (2006), Different Shades of Blue (2007) and a stint in the reality show The Next Movie Star in Nigeria (2007).

Shirley Frimpong Manso, CEO of Sparrow Productions, who had previously worked with her in the hit 2006 Ghanaian television series Different Shades of Blue brought Lydia Forson back to the screens through the movie Scorned. This starring role led to her first African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) nomination as the Best Upcoming Female Actress.In 2009, Lydia Forson starred in the multiple awards winning The Perfect Picture. She has recently starred in hit movies such as A Sting in a Tale, Phone Swap and Masquerades. Culled – Wiki

For more info, see http://www.aletterfromadam.com.

Beautifully Dreaming….. Positively Doing..

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Film: @Kunleafolayan #October1Movie Release Announcement

The promo details for the Premiere and Cinema release of October 1, the movie by Kunle Afolayan has been released. Africa and the world,  hear hear! The official world premiere date is September 28 and it can be seen in Nigerian cinemas from October 1, 2014 (Nigeria’s independence day) While we await the official premiere which is exactly a month away, here’s a sneak peek of what to expect from the movie.

Synopsis

It’s September 1960, and with Nigeria on the verge of independence from British colonial rule, a northern Nigerian Police Detective, Dan Waziri , is urgently despatched by the Colonial Government to the trading post town of Akote in the Western Region of Nigeria to solve a series of female murders that have struck horror in the hearts and minds of the local community. On getting to Akote, more murders are committed, and with local tension high and volatile, Waziri has a race on his hands to solve the case before even more local women are killed.

Set against the backdrop of the national celebratory mood of the impending independence, Waziri is pulled into a game of cat and mouse as he and the killer try to outwit each other… leading to the climatic end in which the life of a popular local female teacher and village belle, TAWA, is held in the balance. Waziri has to race against the clock to capture the killer, save Tawa and solve the crime before the British flag is lowered and the Nigerian flag raised on Independence Day… October 1.

Official Movie Trailer

October 1 is directed by the well known, multi- talented Filmmaker Kunle Afolayan

Born Adekunle Ayodeji Afolayan in the mid 1970s, Kunle is a 2nd generation Nigerian filmmaker. Son of the highly respected Adeyemi Afolayan (Ade-Love), a passionate theatre artist who co-pioneered the movement from travelling theatre to the celluloid film format as introduced by Ola Balogun. Kunle grew up on a steady diet of the performing arts and audio-visual creativity. As an actor, producer, and director, Kunle’s work has transcended the boundaries of the ordinary and is producing a fresh crop of new Nigerian cinematography that raises the bar with regards to what the world expects of the Nigerian Film Industry. Beginning with his keen interest in the output of his father’s company, Ade Love Productions, Kunle showed an unusual ability to follow a plot through to the end while growing into an avid critic of the audio-visual medium for creative expression. His entry into film-making was both destined and co-incidental. Having trained as a business administrator, and with a career in banking, Kunle was cast into Tunde Kelani’s multiple award-winning movies “Saworoide” (co- starring with Bukky Wright and Kola Oyewo), and “Agogo Eewo” (with Kunle Bamtefa, Akinwunmi Ishola and Jab Adu), thereby earning him the first accolades from the industry for his portrayal of the trials of an estranged and endangered Yoruba prince. Other films followed with Kunle’s acting crossing the borders of language genres as he featured in both English and non-English language films such as; “Ololufe”, “Dark Days”, “Ti Ala Ba Ku”, “Oyin Ade”(also starring Pasuma Wonder and Iyabo Ojo) (also starring Zack Orji and Eucharia Anunobi) (also starring Yemi Solade) (also starring Bisi Ibidapo and Toyin Aimankhu). He also took part in movies as “Irapada” and “The Figurine- Araromire” which starred Ramsey Nouah, Omoni Oboli, and Funlola Aofiyebi- Raimi) The works of Kunle Afolayan and Golden Effects (his production studio) has garnered acclaim and set box office records to unprecedented proportions. Most recently, the blockbuster, and chart-topping movie “Phone Swap”, as well as other productions from his stables have been featured and showcased variously at international film festivals across the globe. culled from IMDB

October 1 cast

Sadiq Daba – Inspector Waziri
Aderupoko – Sergeant Afonja
Fabian Lojede – Corporal Omolodun
Demola Adedoyin – Prince Aderopo
Kehinde Bankole – Miss Tawa
Nick Rhys – Winterbottom
Lawrence Stubbings – Tomkins
Colin David Reese – Rev Dowling
Directed By Kunle Afolayan

For more info visit the website at http://www.october1themovie.com

Beautifully Dreaming…Positively Doing..

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Progenitors and Proteges: Art Series 2

Hello Friends,

Continuing on the series of African Progenitors and Proteges in the Arts, focusing today on Film as an Art Form.  Series 2 spotlight is on popular actor and internationally-acclaimed movie maker,  Kunle Afolayan the protege; talented son of acclaimed Filmmaker and Director Extraordinaire, the Progenitor – Ade Love (Adeyemi Josiah Afolayan) known for his Yoruba traveling theater in the 60s/70s and subsequently film making. In his lifetime, the foremost filmmaker raised a lot of bars. “Apart from acting, his vocal dexterity was also a plus, in fact he also produced soundtracks of movies. His sons Kunle, Aremu & Gabriel are also  seasoned and award-winning thespians and are keeping the legacy going, and excellently too.” Personally, I remember with fond memories, one of his popular films ‘Taxi Driver’  Shot in 1983, with such a ‘feel good’, old, camera reel that gives that nostalgic grainy ambiance.

Ade Love (Google)

pro·gen·i·tor  

(prō-jĕn′ĭ-tər) an originator or founder of a future development; precursor . a person or thing that originates something or serves as a model; precursor.

pro·té·gé

ˈprōtəˌZHā,ˌprōtəˈZHā/

noun : a person who is guided and supported by an older and more experienced or influential person.

Kunle Afolayan is a Nigerian actor and director. He is the son of the famous theater and film director and producer Ade Love. Of Yoruba descent, Afolayan majored in Economics. Since 2005 he has been active in the Nigerian film industry. He has made several extremely popular titles including: The Figurine: Araromire which was in the Yoruba and English languages and Phone Swap which featured Nse Ikpe Etim and the legendary Chika Okpala. The Figurine won five major awards in the African Film Academy and experienced tremendous success in the Nigerian movie theaters. Kunle Afolayan appeared at the Subversive Film Festival in 2011 where he represented the second largest film industry in the world, the Nigerian film industry, with his colleague Zeb Ejiro.In May 2013, Phone Swap premiered in France at the first edition of NollywoodWeek Paris and won the Public Choice Award. Source- Wiki. For more on Kunle, click here

Listen to the Interview by Iyalode Productions where he talks about the influence of his father and also cites another Yoruba legendary Filmmaker  Tunde Kelani of MainFrame Productions.

His recent work

Trailer for October 1

Exclusive clips from October 1 can be viewed here

Kunle recently stated on his Facebook

“I was going through some of my father’s documents and found this letters which actually proved that a Nigerian Film had Premiered in Cannes film festival and several other international film festivals all over the globe. For the benefit of those who do not know, My father’s production company used to be called FRIENDSHIP MOTION PICTURES LTD before it was changed to ADE-LOVE FILMS LTD.
I hope that someone in our generation will make history repeat itself. We have plenty work to do. Ire”

I daresay Kunle himself as a protege, has begun the process…with the facelift his movies are giving to the Nollywood industry, he is keeping the flag flying…

Beautifully Dreaming.. Positively Doing..

xoxo

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